How to Get 14,000 People To Market Your Service

Peter Shankman never sent me a free book.

He never told me he reads my blog.

He never personally sent me an email asking me to promote HelpAReporter.com.

But I'm going to recommend you go sign up for his service.

Peter offers a great service. At its simplest level, he connects reporters with sources. Here at the WM we represent more than 50 clients from around the world in every industry from health care to perfume. So, we have a lot of sources. We've landed great media placement for our clients using HARO. According to Peter, membership in HARO is now at 14,000.

But that's not what I'm here to talk about.

See HARO is a great way to get the media talking about your company or your clients, creating that oh so tasty online buzz. But there's more.

Peter is always asking his readers to tell others about HARO. He gives away prizes to people who come up with good ideas on helping HARO sign up new members. He encourages readers to use Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and other social networks to promote HARO. He asks us to forward his email.

A lot.

And we do it.

We don't just do it for the free stuff. We don't just do it because Peter might mention us in his three times daily emails.

We do it because it is good for us. Every time us agencies or other sources promote HARO we may get a few more reporters to join. More reporters mean more opportunity for media placement. For the media folks, every time they help promote the service, more sources join. The power lies in the network. The bigger the network the better it is for everyone.

Every blogger has received a pitch asking him or her to promote aluminum lawn chairs or a new software. Most of these pitches fall on deaf ears because there is no "what's in it for me." But HelpAReporter is a great service that has proven its value (at least it has to us here at Webbed). So if I get the occasional reminder to promote the service, I'm going to do it. Not just to be a nice guy. But because ultimately it helps our agency and our clients.

Comments

[Peter]

Thank you, Bill!

And by the way - I do read your blog. :)

[Gregg Moscoe]

Nice to see the good words for Peter. His service is a brilliant use of tech leverage, and it's fun to boot.

[ElaineB]

Love Peter. Love HARO. I`m not even a reporter!

[Mary Thompson]

I am sooooo envious of Peter, he keeps me thinking of new and better ways to market and network. The man is a genius and I applaud HARO and his brilliance in getting people to market it for free, all while making some money on those who sponsor his emails.

Go Peter!!

Mary Thompson

[Christine Miserandino]

when I grow up I want to be Peter... :)

[Bill Balderaz]

Thanks Peter and company for stopping by. And an update: membership on HARO is now at 16,000.

Today's Trivia: Did you know that if you stand at any single point on Twitter and throw a stone you'll hit a HARO reference?

[Karen Swim]

It is so easy to sing Peter Shankman's praises, he rocks! The HARO list is pure genius and proves the value in new media.

[MGBlankenship]

HARO rocks! I just espoused the use of HARO in a job interview for a Communications Mgr position! Keeping fingers x-ed...

[Gail Sussman Miller]

Nice to see the sharing of information and a useful resource for the sake of the greater good. That is what I call networking and marketing with heart. Thanks for modeling that there doesn't have to be a "bribe" for many people to simply talk about a service they value. I, too, enjoy Peter's creativity and tireless spirit.

[Lindsey]

There is a professional service that does the same thing... only they cost an arm and a leg!! It's so nice to see someone helping those in media for nothing more than good karma. I have many friends in small PR companies who are very grateful that I passed HARO along.

And another bonus the costly service doesn't provide: friendly opening notes!! Thanks Peter :)